Employee Relations Advisor

About the Program

World Resources Institute (WRI) is embarking on a new five-year strategic plan focused on fostering an inclusive, equitable, and engaging organizational culture, enhancing infrastructure, streamlining systems, and achieving closer operational integration. The Global HR team plays a critical role in supporting this transformation through updated processes and policies.

Job Overview

The Employee Relations Advisor will report directly to the Head of Employee Relations and be a key member of the team, tasked with implementing WRI's refreshed Safe, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace policy. This role is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with potential postings also in Nairobi, Kenya, or Kigali, Rwanda. Flexibility in working hours is necessary to accommodate an international workforce, including evening shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion fair, respectful, and consistent treatment of employees aligned with WRI's core values.
• Promptly and impartially lead investigations into complaints and alleged misconduct.
• Produce detailed and coherent investigative reports.
• Guide and support local HR colleagues in conducting investigations within their regions.
• Monitor investigation progress from initial intake to final resolution.
• Implement outcomes of investigations, including any required follow-up actions.
• Stay informed and compliant with internal governance, reporting obligations, and legal standards.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records within HR systems, adhering to data retention requirements.
• Preserve confidentiality throughout all phases of investigations.
• Build strong relationships across teams to promote positive employee relations, satisfaction, and engagement.
• Conduct training sessions to support the adoption and understanding of relevant policies.

Qualifications and Skills

• More than five years of relevant experience in employee relations or workplace complaint investigations across multiple countries.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is mandatory.
• Experience in an international non-profit organization is preferred.
• Competence in managing complex workplace investigations end-to-end.
• Ability to interpret and apply country-specific employment laws, guidelines, and policies.
• Proficiency in conduct investigatory interviews effectively.
• Strong analytical capability to break down and understand complex issues.
• Excellent written communication skills for drafting clear and well-structured reports.
• Confident oral communication skills to articulate information at all organizational levels.
• Interpersonal aptitude to listen empathetically, handle sensitive matters, and engage with a culturally diverse workforce.
• Public speaking and presentation expertise.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or similar software.
• Must have existing work authorization; WRI cannot sponsor visas.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary will be competitive and aligned with experience and qualifications.

WRI provides access to a global network of experts and offers career development opportunities within a mission-driven environment that values diversity and inclusion. The organization embraces a hybrid working model, flexible hours, generous leave entitlements increasing with tenure, and pension plans.

About WRI

WRI is dedicated to enhancing people's lives, protecting nature, and stabilizing the climate through data-driven research and global collaboration. Its 2,000+ staff operate worldwide, advancing change across critical systems like food, energy, water, and cities. Core values at WRI emphasize independence, integrity, partnership, impact, and care, driving a respectful and inclusive workplace culture supportive of all employees regardless of background or identity.